22. `What reason have I not to worship Him Who has created me, and to Whom you all shall be brought back?

23. `Shall I take apart from Him others as gods whose intercession, if the Most Gracious (God) should decide to
do me some harm, will be of no avail to me, nor will they be able (even) to rescue me (from that harm)?

24. `Surely, in case (I do anything of the kind) I should be (falling) in (to) a clear error.

26. It was said (to him by God), `Enter Paradise (while you are still living).' He said, `O, would that my people knew,

27. `For what reason has my Lord granted me protection (from pitfalls in this life) and included me among the
honoured (servants of His)!'

28. We sent no contingent (of force) from heaven, against his people (to destroy them), after that (he has believed)
nor do We ever command (any of such things).

29. It was just a single blast and behold! they were all (extinct) like a (spark of) fire extinguished.

30. Alas for (My) servants! not a single Messenger comes to (reform) them but they treat him lightly.

31. Have they not seen how many generations We have ruined before them, and that those (generations) never
come back to them (after their ruination)?

32. Indeed, they, one and all, shall most certainly, be brought before Us.

SECTION 3

33.The dead earth which We bring to life
and from which We bring forth (a large variety of) grains, of which
they eat, is an important sign for them.

34. And We have made to grow there on (the earth) gardens of date-palms and vine, and We have caused springs
to gush forth from it;

35. So that they may enjoy its fruit and (enjoy) that which their hands have worked for. Will they then render (Us)
no thanks (and follow Our guidance)?

36. Glory be to Him Who has created pairs of all type of the thing that the earth grows and of their own species
and of the things yet unknown to them.

37. The night from which We strip off (the last vestige) of the day, so that (afterwards) they are left in pitch
darkness, is a (great) sign for them.

38. And the sun is moving (on its ordained course) towards the goal determined for it. That is the determining of
the All-Mighty, the Possessor of perfect knowledge.

39. And (think over the phase of) the moon, We have determined its various mansions, so that (after traversing
these mansions) it returns (to the stage when it appears) like an old dry twig of a palm-tree.

40. It is not given to the sun to attain to (the purpose ordained for) the moon, nor is it given to the night to outstrip
the day. All of these (luminaries) go on floating smoothly in an orbit (of their own).

41. And it is a sign for these people that We carry their children in the fully laden ships.

42. And We will make for them other (means of transport) such things as they will board.

43. If We (so) willed, We would drown them, then they would have no (one to) succour (them), nor would they
be rescued.

44. It is only through mercy from Us (that We save them) and (let them have) an enjoyment of worldly gains for a while.

45. And when it is said to them, `Guard yourself against that (punishment) which is (impending) before you and
that which is behind you (and may befall you as a consequence of your evil past) so that you may be shown mercy
(they turn away).'

46. There never comes to them a Message from the Messages of their Lord but they always turn away from it.

47. And when it is said to them, `Spend out of that which Allâh has provided for you,' those who disbelieve say to
those who believe, `Shall we feed those whom, if Allâh so will, He could feed? You are only steeped in obvious error.'

48. They (also) say, `(Tell us) if indeed you are truthful when this warning (about punishment) shall come to pass.'

49. They are (thus) only waiting for one sudden onslaught of calamity which will overtake
them while they are yet disputing (about it) among themselves.

50. And so (sudden will be their end) that they will not be able to leave instructions about their affairs nor to their
own people will they return.

SECTION 4

51.And the trumpet shall be blown, and
behold! (rising) from their graves they will hasten on to their Lord.

52. They will say (to one an other), `O woe be on us! Who has aroused us from our sleeping place?' `This is the
same thing as the Most Gracious (God) had promised and the Messengers (of God) did indeed speak the truth' (will be
the reply they receive).

53. It will only be a single blast, and behold! they shall all be brought before Us.

54. So on this Day no injustice whatsoever shall be done to any soul. You shall reap the fruit of your deeds.

55. On this Day, the owners of Paradise will be occupied (in their pursuits), rejoicing.

56. They and their companions will be in (pleasant) shades, reclining on raised couches.

57. Therein they shall have fruits, and they will have all that they ask for.

65. On that day We shall seal the mouths of these (disbelievers). Their hands will speak to Us (about the actions
they wrought), and their feet shall bear witness to all their (sinful) doings.

66. If We had (so) willed, We could certainly have deprived these (disbelievers) of their eyesight so that they
would have gone ahead on their path (unseeing). But, how should they find (the path) now (in this state of their blindness).

67. If We had (so) willed, We could have surely destroyed them where they were, so that they would not be able
to move forward nor turn back.

SECTION 5

68.We reverse the mechanism of the person
to whom We grant (extraordinary) long life by making the state of
his constitution weak. Do they not (even then) make use of their understanding?

69. We have not taught him (- the Prophet
Muhammad the art of composing) verses, nor does it become him (to be
a poet). This (Qur'ân) is but a means to attain to eminence; a (Book) that is widely read, and tells the right from the wrong.

70. (It has been revealed) so that he (- the Prophet) may warn those who are still (somewhat spiritually) alive (and
so capable of receiving and responding to the call of truth), and (that) the verdict (of condemnation) be justified
against the disbelievers.

71. Do they not see that among the things that We have made with Our power are the cattle which We have
created for them, and of which they are masters (now).

72. And We have subdued these (cattle) for their use and benefit. So that some of them serve as their riding
(beasts) and through others they obtain their food.

73. They have many other uses in them. They provide them with drinks (of various kinds). Will they still give (Us)
no thanks?

74. (Inspite of all this) they worship other gods apart from Allâh (falsely) that they may find some help through them.

75. These (false gods) are not capable of helping them. On the contrary these (gods) will (turn out for them to) be
a host (of rebels) brought (before the Almighty to receive their due punishment).

76. And do not let their words cause you grief. Verily, We know what they conceal and what they profess (and
they will be paid back in their own coins).

77. Has not a human being seen how We have created him out of a (very insignificant) sperm drop? Yet behold!
he is an open adversary (to Us).

78. And he coins strange things about Us and forgets his own creation. He says, `Who will quicken the dead bones
to life when they are decayed?'

79. Say, `He Who evolved them the first time will again raise them to life. He is fully conversant with all (types
and methods of) creation.

80. `It is He Who produces fire for you out of the green tree, that you kindle (another fire) from it (even so new faith

is kindled when the spiritually weak come in contact with the Divine Reformer).'

81. Has He, Who has created the heavens and the earth, not the power of creating (other people) like them? Why
not! He is the Supreme Creator (and) Possessor of all knowledge.

82. Verily, His command, when He intends (to evolve) a thing, is (only) that He says to it, `Be' and it comes into
being (at proper time).

83. Therefore, glory be to Him in Whose hand lies the perfect control of every thing, and towards Whom you shall
all be made to return.

Chapter

37

Al-Sâffât

(Those Ranging in Ranks)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah
Al-Sâffât).

1.Cited as witness are those who range
themselves in close ranks (in various fields of life),

10. Yet if anyone of them snatches away but once (to find out something), he is pursued by a bright shining flame.

11. Therefore, ask them (- your opponents) whether it is they (- the worldly people) who are harder in creation or
those (spiritual beings) whom We have created. Them We have created out of adhesive sticking clay (so of firm and
strong character).

12. Whereas you marvel (at this mighty spiritual revelation) they hold you in low estimation.

91. Then he turned (his attention) towards their gods and (with a mind to make their worshippers realise their
folly) said (addressing the gods), `Do you not eat (any of the things that lie before you)?

101. So We gave him the good tidings of (the birth of) a wise and forbearing son.

102. Now, when that (son, Ismâîl) was (old enough) to work along with him, (his father, Abraham) said, `My dear
son! I have seen in a dream that I sacrifice you. So consider (it and tell me) what you think (of it).' (The son) said, `My
dear father! do as you are commanded. If Allâh will you will find me of the calm and steadfast.'

103. Now, (it so happened) when both of them submitted themselves (to the will of God) and he (- Abraham) had
laid him (- Ismâîl) down on his forehead,

112. And We gave him (also) the good tidings of (the birth of) Isaac, a Prophet (and who is) one of the righteous.

113. And We bestowed (Our) blessings on him (- Ismâîl) and on Isaac. And among the progeny of both there are
(some persons) who perform excellent deeds and (also some) who are clearly unjust to themselves.

140. (Recall the time) when he fled (from his people) towards the fully laden ship.

141. So he was with those (crew) who cast lots (on board of the ill-fated ship, and his name was among those who
were to be thrown overboard in order to keep the ship light and well-balanced on account of the storm) and so he was
(also) of those who were cast off (in the sea).

142. Then (it came about that) a big fish took him in its mouth while he was reproaching (himself).

182. And all type of perfect and true praise belongs to Allâh, the Lord of the worlds.

Chapter

38

Sâd

(The Truthful God)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah
Sâd).

1.Sâd - Allâh is the Truthful, (as proof of this
fact) the Qur'ân which exalts (humankind) to eminence bears witness.

2. (There is nothing wrong with the Prophet,) the only thing is that the disbelievers are suffering from a sense of
(false) pride and are hostile (to him).

3. (Do they not see that) We have destroyed so many generations before them? (They did not care to listen to the
warning at first) then (later) they cried (for help) but the time for escape had passed.

4. They wonder that there should come to them a Warner from among themselves, and the disbelievers say, `He is
a sorcerer, a great liar (in his claim).

5. `Has he turned (the whole lot of) gods (we worshipped) into One God? Very strange indeed is this thing.'

6. And the leaders among them go about saying, `Go (from here) and adhere constantly to (the worship of) your
gods. This (claim of the Qur'ân about the unity of God) is a thing designed (with some purpose behind it).

7. `We heard nothing of its kind about any of the previous creeds. This is nothing but a forgery.

8. `Is it that this Reminder (- the Qur'ân) has been revealed only to him (the chosen
Warner) in (preference to) all of us?' The thing is they
have doubts about My Reminder (itself). As a matter of fact they have not (yet) suffered (the
agony of) My punishment.

9. Do they possess the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the All-Mighty, the Great Bestower?

10. Or does the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them belong to them? (If so) then
let them rise higher with the means (at their disposal and stop the onward march of Islam).

11. (But bear in mind the prophecy:) there will be several hosts of the confederates which shall be completely
routed here (at Madînah).

12. The people of Noah, (the tribe of)
`âd and Pharaoh, lord of mighty hosts, treated (their Apostles) before them
as liars.

13. So did (the tribe of)
Thamûd and the people of Lot, and the dwellers of the Thicket. These were (all routed)
groups of people.

14. Each one had cried lies to the Messengers. So My punishment rightly became due (on them).

SECTION 2

15.And also for these (people of your
time) awaits a sudden punishment which shall know no pause.

16. They say, `Our Lord! hurry up with our portion (of punishment in this very life) before the Day of Reckoning.'

17. Bear with patience what they say. And remember (the event of the life of) Our servant David, the possessor of
might. Verily, he was ever turning (to God).

18. Indeed, We made (the people of) the mountains subservient to him (and) they celebrated (Our) praises at
nightfall and at sunrise,

19. And (We made) the birds and the people (who were) full of dislike for habitations to flock together (to him).
All of them were always turning in obedience (to God) on his account.

20. And We strengthened his kingdom, and We granted him wisdom and decisive judgment.

21. Have you heard the news of the adversaries (of David) who scaled the rampart of the fortress (to take
David unawares in his chamber)?

22. When they intruded upon David and (found that) he had become alert (on account of) them, they said, (by way
of an excuse,) `Have no fear. We are two parties litigants. One of us has transgressed against the other, therefore
judge between us as justice demands, and delay not (by giving the date of decision,) and guide us (in our litigation) to
the fair way.

23. `(The case of the litigation is that,) this is my brother. He has ninety nine ewes while I have one ewe; still he
says, "Make it over to me," and he has been prevailing by his arguments upon me.'

24. (David) said, `He has certainly been unjust to you in demanding your ewe (to be added) to his own ewes. And
surely many partners transgress against one another except those who believe (in God) and do deeds of righteousness.
Yet how few are these!' (While saying this) David realised that We had tried him, therefore he sought protection of his
Lord and fell down bowing in worship and turned (to his Lord) in repentance.

25. So We gave him that protection (sought for by him from that danger he felt). And verily he enjoyed Our
close proximity and an excellent status.

26. (We said,) `O David! verily We have made you the ruler in this land. So rule among the people according to
(the tenants of) justice, and do not follow their vain desires, (for if you do) it will lead you astray from the path leading
to Allâh. Behold! a severe punishment awaits those who go astray from Allâh's way, because
they have forgotten the Day of Reckoning.

SECTION 3

27.And We have not created the heaven
and the earth and all that lies between them in vain. That is the view of
the disbelievers only. Therefore woe to those who disbelieve because of (the punishment by means of) the Fire (that
awaits them).

28. Are We to treat those who believe and do deeds of righteousness in the same way as the creators of disorder in
the land? Or are We to treat those who guard against evil in the same way as the wicked and impious?

29. (Behold! this Qur'ân is) a great Book which We have revealed to you; full of excellences, so that these
(people) may ponder over its verses and so that those gifted with pure understanding may take heed.

30. And We gave (a pious son like) Solomon to David. How excellent a servant (of Ours) he was! For he turned to
Us in obedience and repentance again and again.

31. (Think of the time) when towards the close of the day, steeds of the noblest breed and swift of foot were
brought before him.

32. He said, `I prefer the love of good things because they make (me) remember (God), my Lord.' And (he
remained busy in his devotion and prayer), when these (horses) disappeared (while passing by) behind the veil (of distance),

33. (He said,) `Bring them back to me.' Then (as they were brought) he began to stroke their hind legs and necks
(with kindness).

34. Behold! We tried Solomon (too) and We placed on his throne (of kingdom) a (mere) body (without any spirit
or faith). Then he turned (to God seeking His mercy).

35. He said (praying), `My Lord! grant me protection and bestow on me a kingdom that belongs to none (by
inheritance) after me. You indeed are the Great Bestower.'

36. So (We accepted his prayer and) We subjected to him a gentle wind. It blew gently according to his
requirements in the direction he desired to go.

37. And (We also subjugated to him) the rebellious people (- the unruly
Amâliqah people of far off lands), all
(their) builders and divers;

43. (Not only that rather) We gave him his own family (and the followers he had before) and as many more with
them (in the form of new adherents) by way of mercy from Ourselves (the lesson thus taught will serve) as a means to
attain eminence for those gifted with pure and clear understanding.

44. And (We commanded him,) `Take in your hand a handful of twigs and strike (the riding beast) therewith. And
do not ever incline towards falsehood. Indeed, We found him steadfast. An excellent servant was he. He was
always turning (towards God) in obedience.

45. Recall Our servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (all) endowed with power for action, and insight.

46. We had indeed chosen them for one special purpose; for reminding (people) of the abode (of the Hereafter).

47. And of course they are in Our sight among the elect and the select.

48. And recall Ismâîl, Elisha and
Dhul Kifl (- Ezekiel); they were all of (Our) chosen ones.

49. This (narrative) is the way to eminence. Behold! there awaits the righteous a beautiful and excellent resort;

59. (It will be said to their leaders of mischief,) `This is a whole army (of yours) which is rushing headlong with
you (into Hell). There is no welcome for them. They are bound to enter the Fire.'

60. They (- their followers) will say (to their leaders), `Nay, it is rather you (who deserve Hell)! There is no
welcome for you (either). In truth it was you that brought about this (evil punishment) for us (by leading us astray), what an
evil resting place it is!'

61. They will (then) say, `Our Lord! whoso brought about this (evil end) for us, increase for him more and more
agony in the Fire.'

62. And these (inmates of Hell) will say, `What is the matter with us that we do not
see (here) the men whom we used

to count among the wicked.

63. `Is it because we (unjustly) held them in scorn or (is it) that (our) eyes have missed them?'

64. Behold! this is an invariable fact that the inmates of the Fire will be disputing together.

SECTION 5

65.Say, `I am only a Warner. There is no
other, cannot be and will never be One worthy of worship but Allâh, the
One, the Subduer of all.

66. `The Lord of the heavens, and the earth and all that lies between the two, the All-Mighty, the Great Protector.'

67. Say, `This (universal call of Islam) is a very important announcement.

69. `I had no knowledge of the Exalted assembly (comprising of the angels in the upper zones) when they
discussed (the matter) among themselves.

70. `But all that has been revealed to me is that I am a Warner telling the right from the wrong.'

71. (Call to mind) when your Lord said to the angels, `I am about to create a human being from clay,

72. `And when I have fashioned him in perfection and I have inspired into him of My revelation then fall
down submitting to him.'

73. So (when He inspired into him His revelation) the angels submitted one and all.

74. But Iblîs did not, he behaved arrogantly for he was of the disbelievers.

75. (God) said, `O Iblîs!
what prevented you from submitting to him whom I have created with My own special
powers (bestowing him with the maximum attributes). Is it that you seek to be great or is it that you are (really) of the
highly proud ones (above obeying My command)?'

76. (Iblîs) said, `I am better than he. You
created me from fire while him You created from clay.'

77. (God) said, `Then get out of this (state); you are surely driven away (from My mercy).

78. `And surely upon you shall be My disapproval till the Day of Judgment.'

79. (Iblîs) said, `My Lord! reprieve me till the day when the people are raised to life (spiritually whether here or in
the Hereafter).'

85. `That I will fill Gehenna with the like of you and with all those from among them who follow you.'

86. Say (O Prophet!), `I ask no reward from you for it (for preaching the Message of truth, and for warning the
people,) nor am I of those who are given to affectation (and are impostors).

87. `This (Qur'ân) is nothing but a means to rise to eminence for the peoples,

88. And you shall surely know (the truth of) the news thereof before long.'

Chapter

39

Al-Zumar

(The Multitudes)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Zumar).

1.The orderly arrangement and authentic compilation of this wonderfully perfect Book is from Allâh, the
All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

2. Surely, it is We Who have revealed the Book to you with the established truth to suit the requirements of truth
and wisdom. So worship Allâh, being truly sincere to Him in obedience.

3. Beware! sincere and true obedience is due to Allâh alone. Those who choose others as a patron beside Him
(say), `We serve them only that they may bring us near to Allâh in station.' (It is absolutely wrong.) Allâh will judge the

differences between these (believers and disbelievers). Indeed, Allâh does not guide him to success who is a liar,
highly ungrateful.

4. If Allâh had intended to take to Himself a son He could have chosen from His creation the one He pleased (and
would not have left it to you). Holy is He! He is Allâh, the One, the All-Dominant.

5. He created the heavens and the earth to suit the requirements of truth and wisdom. He causes the night to
revolve upon the day and causes the day to revolve upon the night and He has pressed the sun and the moon into service;
each pursues its course for an appointed term. Behold! He is the All-Mighty, the Great Protector.

6. He created you from a single soul, then from that (same stock that He created a human being) He created his
spouse. And He has given you eight (varieties of) cattle in pairs. He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, a creation,
stage by stage, (making you pass) through three periods of darkness. Such is Allâh your Lord. The sovereignty and
power belongs to Him alone. There is no other, cannot be and will never be One worthy of worship but He. Where are
you, then, being turned away?

7. If you show ingratitude, surely, Allâh is Independent of you (He does not require your thanks). Yet He does
not approve of His people to be ungrateful. (Indeed it is for your own sake that) He approves of you being grateful.
And no soul that bears a burden can bear the burden (of the sins) of another. Behold! to your Lord shall you all return
so that He will inform you of all that you have been doing. He knows full well (even) the innermost secrets of the hearts.

8. And when an affliction befalls a person he prays to his Lord turning (penitently) to Him. But when He confers a
favour upon him from Himself, he forgets (the affliction) for (the removal of) which he used to pray (to Him) and
starts assigning peers with Allâh, with the result that he causes the people to go astray from His path (the path leading to
One God). Say, `Enjoy your ingratitude for a little while, you are sure to be of the inmates of the Fire.'

9. Can he who is obedient and prays (to Allâh) devoutly in the hours of the night, (now) falling prostrate, (now)
standing upright (in Prayer) taking precaution against (the grave sequel of) the Hereafter and hopes for the mercy of His
Lord, (be treated like him who is disobedient)? Say, `Are those who know (their obligations) equal to those who know
(them) not? Only those (endowed) with pure understanding do
take heed.'

SECTION 2

10.Say, `O My servants who believe! take
your Lord as a shield. There is a good reward for those who do good
in (the life of) this world. And (if you are persecuted for your faith know that) the earth of Allâh is vast and
spacious (enough to provide you shelter). Certainly
the patiently, persevering and steadfast will be given their reward
beyond measure.'

11. Say, `Verily, I have orders to worship Allâh, being truly sincere to Him alone in obedience.

12. `And I have orders to be the foremost among those who surrender themselves (to His will).'

13. Say, `If I disobey my Lord I have to fear the torment of a dreadful day.'

14. Say, `It is Allâh I worship, being purely sincere to Him in my obedience.

15. `Again, (as for you) you may go and worship whomsoever you please apart from Him.' Say, `The true losers
are those who ruin their own souls and their families on the Day of Resurrection.' Beware! surely that is the manifest loss!

16. They shall have coverings of the fire over them and (sheets of similar) coverings below them (allowing them
no escape). That is (the sort of punishment) against which Allâh warns His servants, `My servants! (do not invite
My punishment, rather) take Me as (your) shield.'

17. But there await good tidings for those who restrain themselves from worshipping the transgressor (to the limit
as defined by God) and turn to Allâh. So give glad tidings to My servants,

18. Who listen to the word (of advice) and follow the best (injunction productive of the best results) thereof. It is
they whom Allâh has guided and it is they who are endowed with pure and clear understanding.

19. Can he then, against whom the verdict of punishment becomes due (and who therefore merits punishment,
be saved?) Can you rescue him who is consigned to the Fire?

20. But for those who take their Lord as a shield, there awaits them lofty mansions, storey upon storey with
streams running beneath them. (This is) the promise of Allâh; (and) Allâh will never fail in (His) promise.

21. Have you not seen (the sight) that Allâh sends down water from the clouds and causes it to flow (in the form
of) streamlets on the earth and then brings forth herbage of various kinds and of diverse hues with it, then it dries up
(after ripening) so that you see it turn yellow; then He turns it into chaff. Behold! in this (similitude) is a reminder for
people endowed with pure and clear understanding.

SECTION 3

22.Is he whose mind Allâh has opened for
(the acceptance of) Islam, so that he follows the light from his Lord,
(like one who gropes in the darkness of disbelief)? Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance
of Allâh. Such indeed are (steeped) in clear error.

23. Allâh has revealed the best Message (the fairest discourse), this wonderfully coherent Book (the verses of
which are mutually supplementing and) repeated, (narrating both sides of the case in various ways to drive home the
divine injunctions to human minds). It makes the (very) skins of those who stand in awe of their Lord creep and their
hearts tremble (at its recital). Yet their hearts and skins soften towards the remembrance of Allâh. This is Allâh's
guidance, He guides him thereby who wishes (to be guided). Yet none can guide him whom Allâh forsakes and adjudges to
be astray.

24. Is he, then, who has only his own person to shield him from the evil punishment on the Day of Resurrection
(like him who is secure). And it will be said to the unjust (on that Day), `Suffer the punishment of what you used to
commit deliberately.'

25. Their predecessors also cried lies (to their Messengers of God,) so that (Our)
punishment came upon them from quarters they little perceived.

26. So Allâh made them suffer humiliation in the present life, and the punishment (in store for them) in the
Hereafter will be greater still, if they but realise (it).

27. And We have set forth for the people all sorts of excellent and useful proofs in this Qur'ân that they may take heed,

28. (We have revealed the) Qur'ân in Arabic, there is no deviation from rectitude (in it and is free from all flaws),
that they may guard against sufferings.

29. Allâh describes the condition of a man belonging to several partners contending with one another; and (there
is) another man devoted wholly to one person. Are the two alike in condition? (No how can they be?) All true and
perfect praise belongs to Allâh. But most of them do not know (this truth).

30. (One day), you will surely die and so shall they (after a brief span of life).

31. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will all dispute one with another before your Lord.